Masters in Computer Science Specializations

The answer to which is the best course for masters in computer science is  subjective. It varies as per the career goals and interest areas of the student. But there are some masters in computer science specializations that are commonly opted for. We give below a list of master degree courses in computer science with a broad idea of the topics taught and the career opportunities they open up.

1. Software Engineering

This specialisation provides not only software development skills but also customer collaboration and management skills necessary to solve complex real-world problems.
Course:
A Master of Computer Science (Software Engineering) course includes:

Modern Software Engineering Principles

Service-Oriented Software Engineering

Software Requirements

Specification and Formal Methods

Software Testing and Analysis.

Job Opportunities:
The degree is perfect for a career in managerial roles related to information technology and also the best way to prepare for entry into research degrees. The common job position is a Software Engineer with a median salary of $99,000.

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2. Systems Engineering

The systems engineering specialization is home to most of the hard-core programming classes. The curriculum provides an in-depth  knowledge of  computer science and  prepares engineers and IT professionals in the industry to design systems using a methodical system of engineering process.
Course:
Some of the subjects covered in the specialization are:

Computer Architecture

Computer Operating Systems

Design and Analysis of Algorithms

Database Systems

Computer Networks

Systems Engineering Principles

System Architecture and Design

 Job Opportunities
A system engineer has the probability of earning an average salary of $80,056.

3. Data Science

The Master of Science in Computer Science (Data Science) offers a core background in CS with exhaustive knowledge in areas such as algorithmic, statistical, and systems expertise.
Course:
A few topics that are taught in the program are:

Analysis of Algorithms

Database Systems

Foundations of Artificial Intelligence

Information Integration on the Web

Information Retrieval and Web Search Engines

Machine Learning

Probabilistic Reasoning

Advanced Big Data Analytics

Job Opportunities:
After the completion of this specialisation, a student can opt for a career as a Data Scientist, Data Analyst, or Research Scientist with a median salary of $96,000.

4. Cybersecurity

This specialisation under master’s in computer science meets the expanding demand for computer experts with technical training to keep all systems safe and secure. The degree focuses on teaching technical issues such as safe languages, software, and architecture. It also highlights the moral issues of privacy and its legality.
Course:
The program teaches topics that range from system security to network security. A few subjects taught are:

Cryptography

Advanced Cryptography

Data and Information Security

Software Safety

Network Security

Operating Systems

Data Mining

System Security

Job Opportunities
An information security analyst or a cybersecurity engineer are some of the jobs one can get after completing  this specialisation. The average salary earned would be near $85,000.

5. Data Analytics

A specialisation in data analytics engineering teaches a student to analyse and visualize data patterns in real-world domains such as health and transportation.
Course:
The mandatory topics in the specialisation would be Machine Learning, Big Data System, Data Science, and MSc Project while the electives would include the following:

Web Services and Web Data    

Distributed Systems    

Information Visualization    

User Adaptive Intelligent Systems    

Combinatorial Optimisation    

Secure Computing    

Graph Algorithms and Complexity Theory

Bio-Inspired Computing    

Job Opportunities
This programme offers the practical skills required to gain entry into the areas of applied computing. A graduate would work as an application developer, system designer and evaluator, information analyst.

6. Computer Networking

A concentration in Computer Networks provides you with a foundation in information technology with a core understanding of computer data communication and modern networking.
Course:
The core topics taught under computer networking specialisation are:

Comprehensive, introductory networking course, including digital communications, local area, wide area, wireless, etc.

Courses in database, IT Mathematics, systems analysis and design, software development

Network design and implementation

Network performance analysis and management

Network security

Latest networking technology

Job Opportunities:
While the fields are wide open for graduates of this concentration, the most common job position is that of a Network Engineer. The median pay after completing the degree is $108,000.

7. Human-Computer Interaction

An MS in computer science with a concentration in Human-Computer Interaction teaches a student to design for users. The course covers topics that range from wall-sized computers to mobile devices.
Course:
The specialization in HCI teaches both technical design and the psychological aspects of effective human-computer interactions. It also provides knowledge of  the implementation of systems that help the interactions. A few topics taught are:

Fundamentals of HCI design and evaluation

Software and User Interface Development

Emerging Interaction Techniques

Object-Oriented Software Development

Job Opportunities
HCI opens up segments of applied research such as collaborative work, information visualization, and tangible computing. The jobs you will find after this specialisation are: User Experience Designer, User Experience Researcher and Interaction Designer. The median pay will be around $88,000.